Tread Perilously is a podcast in which hosts Erik Amaya and author Justin Robinson watch the “worst” episodes of popular TV shows, attempting to determine if they would continue to watch the series based on the most off-key moments.
This Week: Quantum Leap‘s “The Play’s the Thing”
Tread Perilously rounds out Sci-Fi month by taking a long overdue look at Quantum Leap with an episode called “The Play’s the Thing.”
September 9th, 1969. Sam leaps into the body of Joe, a 25-year-old struggling actor who happens to be dating Jane – a woman 25 years his senior. She recently moved to New York to become a singer, but her son and daughter-in-law are quite unhappy about it. Not that it really matters, as Ziggy determines Sam is there to help Joe overcome his sudden bout of stage fright and become a successful actor. But Sam is convinced he must keep Jane from a fate worse than death – a long, loveless life in Cleveland. Will Sam be able to save Joe and Jane at the same time?
Erik and Justin immediately talk about Kennedy conspiracies and one of the more uncomfortable elements of the show – Sam’s ability to consent. They also discuss the overall premise of Quantum Leap and its few conventions. Erik also ruins The Time Machine and Back to the Future by thinking fourth-dimensionally. A very young Anna Gunn makes a special appearance as Jane’s daughter-in-law. Erik and Justin define “The Ted” – a film or television romantic interest who looks good a paper, but will become controlling and abusive. Also, the pair realizes they have no idea when buffalo wings became popular.
Be sure to subscribe to Tread Perilously on iTunes and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@TreadPerilously)!
